After the disappointing and inconsistent second season, season three starts off promisingly enough with Evolution. Indeed, this episode represents a significant evolution of the series itself. The acting, special effects, costumes, and, especially, the writing all see a significant overall improvement. While not the most exciting season opening episode, Evolution sets a new standard for TNG.

For starters, the story does an excellent job of integrating plotlines involving Dr. Stubbs, Wesley, the reintroduction of Dr. Crusher, and the debate about whether or not the nanites are a life form. In previos seasons, each story would have felt somehow disconnected from the other. Instead, with Evolution, all of the stories are deeply interconnected. This level of storytelling is a definite leap over the past two seasons.

The characters of the episode, with one (possibly) minor exception, are all well within their own elements. The crew feel familiar with us and with each other. Dr. Crusher’s return is noted, but doesn’t overwhelm the episode. And even Dr. Stubbs’ character, as the brilliant, single-minded scientist, is well conceived and executed.

The story of the nanites is also fairly compelling. It continues a line of thinking first given serious consideration in Home Soil, and continued in The Measure of a Man. And while it doesn’t quite reach the lofty heights of the The Measure of a Man it accomplishes its goal with much more craft than Home Soil.

The one criticism from this episode is a relatively minor one. Wesley, as a Starfleet officer, took too long in telling his captain about his experiments with the nanites. In and of itself, this isn’t a major criticism. Wesley’s hesitation to admit his mistake is understandable. What makes this an error, though, is that Wesley is not given any reprimand for his actions — either the illicit experiment or the delay in reporting it.

On the balance, Evolution is a classic episode with a few minor flaws. It is a welcome improvement over what we have seen thus far, and is an indicator of a series that is about to make profound steps forward.

Topics: New Life
Filed under: TNG Reviews